Debating a coolant flush

Back in June I had my timing chain redid along with the support components and my water pump.

I assume they drained the coolant from everything.

I’m debating on a coolant flush. Is it worth it even after getting all new coolant in the system? Although I am getting my coolant system checked for any possible leaks since it is slowyyyyyy losing coolant.

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles .....
I'm wondering if pressure testing the cooling system first to find if there is a leak is more advantageous? Once you have the mystery of the coolant figured out then decide if you need and or want to change the coolant.
Only my 0.02$....
Keep us posted !

 

I appreciate your response. I’m taking it to Toyota and they said they’ll pressure test it to determine if there is a leak and what not. I’m also taking it there cause they’ll do a total vehicle inspection, which is what I want cause spring, summer and fall road trips are coming up. I especially want to make sure my coolant system is working well with no current leaks and to have peace of mind with everything else.

 

2005 prone to head gasket problems

 

Changing the water pump definitely required them to drain all the coolant from the system. I’d let the truck warm up to operating temp then turn it off and give the cooling system a good once over while is under pressure. Make sure to check hose end and keep an eye out for any drips.

If in doubt, having a professional check it would be worth the peace of mind!

Or you could just keep topping off the coolant as it drops and it’s practically like a coolant change after awhile.

 

I’m waiting for this big event to happen if it has yet to happen. I’m skeptical this being the case as of now cause there are no other symptoms.

 

Both the 4 and V6 had head gasket issues? I thought it was just the 6.

 

you can just drain the radiator and the engine block you'd be GTG

 

You may have an issue with a leaking head gasket or a leak somewhere else.

Regardless it is doubtful you need to flush anything with only 9 months from when the water pump was replaced.

I would get it checked for the head gasket if you don't locate the source of the leak.

If you have a small leak in the head gasket a coolant flush could make it worse or much worse. Like a hydro-locked cylinder. I've seen it personally with my son's car.

 

hey there @km87 I was just doing a search on the coolant flush b/c I took my 08 into the dealer in the fall to be checked for frame rust. no rust was found; however, they gave me the usual RECOMMENDED repair list including the coolant flush- the quote I received was $219. seeing if this is in line at all with the quote you got. I am in Mississippi. Is this worth doing? I'm guessing i'll probably start chipping away at this and the other recommended things they said.

 

A coolant flush is $125. A new radiator and coolant is $100.

I consider radiators a disposable part.

 

That's not TOO overpriced. But they'll likely only drain and refill the radiator. I'd be shocked if they did the whole thing. In which case you could just do it yourself. You can get the coolant for about 20/gal. if I remember right.

 

That price is bananas! Mine was quoted at like $180! I’m lucky to have the dealership I go to. I trust them. They could have had me do it, but the technician that works on my vehicle said there was no reason to since he changed all the coolant when he changed my timing chain and all the other components.

 

What else did u have done ? Here’s the other recommended maintenance and prices I got quoted. Am I getting Rob jobbed here in Mississippi? I’ll put this Stealership on TW Blast! Lol. Even show the quote sheet with business name if needed lol
Which of these should I start chipping away at first? They also mentioned something about spark plugs on phone but didn’t see listed on sheet
- V6 tuneup $189
- Drive Belt $169
- Throttle Induction Cleaning $189
- Coolant Flush $219

 

I do maintenance myself for the most part. The drive belt is stupid easy and there are youtube videos breaking it down barney style.

What does the V6 tuneup entail? Whatever that is.

I took it in cause I had seepage on top of my transmission and wanted an experienced technician look at it rather than me scratching my head. Plus, it’s spring and summer is coming up. So I wanted my annual pre-season road trip physical. They fixed the leak and did an alignment. I hit a nasty and hidden pot hole.

 

V6 tuneup $189 - They are going to change the spark plugs. Do it yourself easy as pie and save 150 dollars. There are videos and how too's to show you step by step.

Drive Belt $169 - Serpentine Belt replacement. Do it yourself easy as pie and save 100 dollars. There are videos and how too's to show you step by step.

Throttle Induction Cleaning $189 - Get a can of throttle body cleaner and do it yourself. Save 160 dollars. There are videos and how too's to show you step by step.

Coolant Flush $219 - Get the premixed coolant at Toyota or your favorite auto parts house. Just make sure it is compatible with Toyota Fluid. Save 150 dollars. There are videos and how too's to show you step by step.

Do these and save at least $560.00.

Or in simpler terms the dealer is out to shake you down for $$$.

 

“v6 tuneup” LOL

spark plugs $24

oem belt $30

throttlebody cleaner/maf cleaner $10

coolant ~$45

basic hand tools and a free Saturday.

hell why not bleed your brakes while you are at it and do a quick power steering fluid swap. Easy peasy

 

draining the block via the two drain ports and draining the radiator DOES NOT drain the entire system. There is still coolant up in the heater core, ask me how I know this....well, don't, I think you can figure it out.

 

so the V6 tuneup does include spark plug change ? they mentioned it on the phone but I didn't see the words "spark plugs" on the quote sheet.

 

Well there isn't much to do for a tune up except replace the spark plugs.